Marcus W. Montisano
Alignment Device for Nanoscale Electronics
This project represents work I did during my third and final year at Goucher as a part of the Physics Senior Capstone project in Dr. Nina Markovic's lab. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, lab time was limited to one day a week for the 13 week semester. These time restrictions were unique to COVID circumstances and significantly delayed the development and testing of the device. I virtually presented the slide show below at the 2021 Goucher Symposium.
Group
PI: Dr. Nina Markovic
Student Researchers: Marcus Montisano, Julia Michaelson
Date
January 2021 - May 2021
Location
Goucher College
Objective
Prototype a device to enable the alignment and deposition of a mask onto a nanoelectric substrate. The device must serve as a proof of concept to valid novel deposition and alignment methods.
Role
Working with my lab mate Julia, we ideated, testing, and set up an experimental configuration for the prototype device. We tested several deposition methods and piezo-control mechanisms. I designed the stage and arm mounting system in SOLIDWORKS and 3D printed them at home out of PLA.
Reflection
There was a lot more I could have done with this project now my current mechanical engineering background. The system has no rigidity and could be subject to any number of vibrations, ruining the alignment. Additionally, the choice of 3D printed parts could be optimized for stiffer materials. I would have run through more design iterations to remove excess material, sharp edges, and stress concentrations. I believe with a proper analysis and design optimization the device would function much better. I gained experience presenting my research to a non-technical audience, learning to effectively communicated complex topics and concepts.